[ his expression lightens significantly, at word of Cynthia. champions tend to operate in the same circles — and besides, garchomp is super cool. it’s encouraging to hear that the tree seems to be attracting trainers far and wide... it’s how it should be. ]

Ah, Cynthia is the type to seek that sort of adventure. Tales of the two of you have probably spread to at least Sinnoh, if not further. [ lance imagines she had fun, anyway. but: ] And I think I have some traveling of my own to do before I challenge your ranks.

[ lance has training to do, but most of it is going to be reflection. and then once he does that, he’ll come to the PWT — and the tree. ]

But I’ll visit, at minimum. As a spectator... or a tourist.

[ lance has accepted he can’t go anywhere, really, anonymously, but damn if he doesn’t try. ]